Driving in Trinidad and Tobago

The holder of an International driving permit issued in accordance with the provisions of any International Convention has a right to drive a motor vehicle of the class for which he holds a driver license in the country in which his International driving permit was issued. It is permitted to drive in Trinidad and Tobago with an International driving permit for three months. Every foreign driver must have with his International driving permit his valid original driver license and his travel document with his date of arrival in Trinidad and Tobago.The owner of any motor vehicle which has an International certificate in accordance with the provisions of any International Convention may use his car in Trinidad and Tobago without requirement such motor vehicle.If a motor vehicle is brought into Trinidad and Tobago for using by his owner during his visit, and the owner does not have an International certificate, he must take a temporary license with is valid for three months.

The main road traffic rules:

Traffic moves on the left side, and overtaking is on the right side of the road.

The minimum driving age is 17 years.

Motorcycles are obligatory to wear protective helmet.

Drivers and all passengers from front seats must wear seat belts.

The third party insurance is mandatory.

The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.08%.

The speed limit in built up area is 50 km/h (31 mph), on highways – 80 km/h (50 mph).

Children under five years of age and under may not be transported in the front seat.

A child under six months of age must be restrained in a properly fastened and adjusted, rearward facing child restraint.

A child over six months and under four years of age must be restrained in a properly fastened, rearward facing child restraint or a forward facing child restraint that has an in-built harness.

A child from four to five years of age must be restrained in a properly fastened, forward facing child

restraint which has an in-built harness or approved booster seat.

If a cycle is not constructed for the carriage of more than one person, it is not lawful for more than one person to be carried on a cycle not propelled by mechanical power.

It is illegal for more than two persons to ride abreast on a road either motorcycles or cycles.

It is not lawful for more than one person in addition to the driver to be carried on any two-wheeled motorcycle.

Left turns on a red light and U-turns are illegal.

It is not permitted to overtake other traffic when rounding a corner, at intersections, on hills and bridges.

It is not permitted to park a motor vehicle within nine metres from a corner and road intersection.

It is not allowed to stop on either side of a road within three metres of the frontage of any Fire Brigade Station.

Slow moving traffic must keep the last left lane.

It is illegal to use horns or other instruments from of 21:00 (9.00 p.m.) to 5:30 (5.30 a.m.) in any Municipal area.

The police phone number is 999.

Additional information:

Any driver must stop on the request of a transport officer in the uniform. A transport officer in uniform or a police officer may require foreign driver to show his International driving permit together with the travel document for examination his entitlement to drive in Trinidad and Tobago.

Any person, who uses a vehicle without the consent of the owner or other lawful authority, is guilty.

Any person who throws from a vehicle on a road pictures, prints or articles of whatsoever nature by way of advertisement or any handbill will be fine and imprisonment for two months.

In the case of car accident, the driver of the vehicle must immediately stop. He must give his name and address and particulars of his driving permit (and the name and address of the owner of the vehicle if the driver is not a owner of such car).

It is not permitted to drive a vehicle which causes a loud noise to the annoyance or disturbance of any person.

No noisy instrument shall be played or operated in any motor vehicle whilst driving.

To rent a car in Trinidad and Tobago, drivers must have held driver licenses for a minimum of two years and must be at least 21 years old.